Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In the past five minutes, my office has been contacted by the office of the Government Whip. My officials have been informed that the Bill has not been proofed and therefore is not finalised. They have been told it will be in the possession of all Members by 9.45 p.m. It has been suggested that discussion on the Bill should not start until the document is in the hands of Opposition Members. I put it to the Taoiseach that this is high farce. It is absolutely chaotic. The Government is ill-prepared to deal with this sensitive Bill, which is of great importance to the economy and the protection of Irish banking institutions. My party's Whip has been informed that this Bill will not be sent to the Seanad tonight. It will not become law until tomorrow, therefore, when the other House has finished its consideration of it. Is the Taoiseach absolutely sure that the Bill has been finally proofed and that it has been accepted and agreed? Is the detail the Taoiseach mentioned earlier, in response to my question, contained in the new proofed Bill? The Taoiseach rightly spoke earlier of the need to give demonstrable evidence of the new regulatory regime and to provide for strengthened oversight. Are such matters contained in the further proofed Bill, which is to be made available to us at 9.45 p.m.? Is it absolutely necessary for the Bill to be taken through this House tonight?

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